NetEase CEO Considered Axing Marvel Rivals Over Licensing Fees
Feb 22, 2025 11:57 AMMarvel Rivals, developed by NetEase, has reached an impressive milestone of 40 million players but faces internal turmoil as its CEO considered canceling the game due to licensing fees for Marvel characters. Despite its success, recent layoffs among US developers have raised concerns about the game's future, particularly when the CEO expressed opposition to paying Disney for character rights. Discussions of replacing Marvel characters with original designs occurred, showcasing a lack of alignment within the company. This situation poses challenges for NetEase as it balances a profitable game with development goals, including the release of a new hero every 45 days.
What are the recent developments concerning Marvel Rivals and its developer NetEase?Recent reports reveal that Marvel Rivals is experiencing internal struggles, with layoffs among US developers and concerns from CEO William Ding about licensing fees for Marvel characters. Despite the game's huge player base, the CEO once contemplated canceling the project, raising questions about its future at NetEase.
Marvel Rivals is a free-to-play action-adventure game featuring iconic Marvel characters. Its success has aligned with a broader trend of comic book adaptations in gaming, showcasing the enduring popularity of Marvel franchises. The game aims to capture the dynamics of battle and strategy while engaging a vast audience passionate about super-heroic narratives and character-driven gameplay.
Alex Riverton
Alex Riverton is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience in the gaming industry. Known for their in-depth analysis and hands-on previews, Alex has built a reputation for insightful commentary on gameplay mechanics and storytelling in videogames.
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Stimpy commented on: 2025-02-22 12:12:09
It’s crazy how even a massive player base like 40 million can’t shield a game from behind-the-scenes chaos—licensing battles and layoffs are like the supervillains no one asked for. Fingers crossed NetEase can pull off a heroic save and keep the game’s momentum intact without losing its soul.
N3rdo commented on: 2025-02-22 12:06:15
It's wild to see a game with 40 million players still caught up in corporate drama—licensing fees and internal misalignment can really throw a wrench in even the most successful projects. Hopefully, NetEase figures out how to keep the Marvel magic alive without sacrificing the game's momentum or its devs' morale.
